Subsidization of small-scale private forests in Europe needs a clearer definition of objectives

• Climate change impacts reduce sustainable raw wood utilization options in small-scale private forests in Germany, extensification is expected to increase the effect. • Small-scale private forest owners in Europe consider the economic, social and ecological values of their forest to be equally important, but national support systems differ considerably. • Subsidization should clearly define whether the contribution of small-scale private forests to raw wood production for bioeconomy or whether biodiversity conservation should be supported.